Page 140 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

“Nothing.” She says with that creepy, empty look.

“Tell me, Briar.” Caressing her cheek. When she says nothing, I lean forward and brush my lips against hers. “Talk to me.”

I pull away enough to see that familiar spark trying to make its way back to her eyes.

So I kiss her again.

And again.

And again.

“Come back to me, Briar,” I tell her between kisses. “Please.”

I continue kissing her until a wave of hopefulness sweeps over me as I feel her responding with equal pressure. I gently lick her bottom lip, experiencing a surge of relief as she opens her mouth, and our tongues reconnect.

God, I miss her taste.

I gently pull away, observing as her eyes regain their liveliness.

She looks more like my Briar now.

“Angel?” She blinks several times, licking her lips, almost appearing confused. “Rurik.”

Fuck, she’s so beautiful.

“Yeah, baby, it’s me,” I say, grinning widely as she stares at me.

“You’re here.” She says, her tone tinged with disbelief.

But it’s her voice again. It's the same melodic voice I remember.

I can’t help it.

I lean forward and catch her lips with mine again. I bite her bottom lip, earning a soft gasp from her, which I consume the fuck up. I wrap my hand around the back of her neck, pulling her closer as I continue devouring her.

With each exhale she releases, it feels like she's infusing me with life again, repairing my heart and restoring my ability to breathe freely.

“Fuck.” I let out with a rough groan, dropping my forehead to hers.

I am rewarded with her beautiful grin.

She kisses the tip of my nose and pulls away. She lifts her hand and frowns at the white flower. She looks up, extending it toward me. “For you, angel.”

I shake my head, gently pushing her hand to her chest. “No, Briar. I gave it to you, remember?”

She blinks, recognition flashing on her features. She bites her bottom lip almost shyly.

And fuck.

Fuck. Me.

I want to bite her lip for her.

So I do it.

I nibble on her bottom lip, swallowing the puffs of air she releases when I gently kiss her chin. I pull away, and she stares at me with a wicked grin.

There she is.

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